Collapsible sunshields, partitions and shade structures having overlapping support loops

ABSTRACT

A collapsible structure is provided that includes at least a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel includes a flexible loop member that is adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position, and a fabric for substantially covering the loop member. The loop members of the first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the upper edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, and at a second overlapping point along the bottom edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the first and second loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable. One side of the third panel is hingedly connected to either the left side or the right side of the first panel. The loop members and their associated fabric are foldable on top of each other about their respective hinge portions to have the loop members and their associated fabric overlaying each other, and the overlaying loop members are collapsible to the collapsed positions by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric rings and layers of fabric to substantially reduce the size of the structure in the collapsed position.

RELATED CASES

This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Ser. No. 08/717,408, entitled "Collapsible Sunshields, Partitions and Shade Structures Having Overlapping Support Loops", filed Sep. 20, 1996, whose disclosure is incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sunshields, partitions and structures, and in particular, to collapsible sunshields, partitions, shade structures and other structures supported by resilient loop members maintained in overlapping relationship with each other. These sunshields, partitions, and structures may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the sunshield, partition or structure.

2. Background Art

A number of prior art sunshields are well-known for use, for example, in shielding the interior of an automobile from unwanted heat and sunlight. These sunshields may be positioned against an interior window surface, but are typically positioned against the windshield because of the difficulty of retaining these sunshields against the other window surfaces. Examples of these sunshields are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,815,784 to Zheng, 5,024,262 to Huang, and 5,452,934 to Zheng. In each of these sunshields, one or more resilient loop members are used to support the sunshield in an expanded configuration. These sunshields may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the sunshield.

A number of prior art shade or tent structures have also been provided for a wide variety of uses, such as for camping, for shade, or for play by children. Examples of these shade structures are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,990,463 to Norman, 4,825,892 to Norman, 5,038,812 to Norman, and 5,467,794 and 5,560,385 both to the present inventor. Each of these shade structures also use one or more resilient loop members to support the structure in an expanded configuration. These shade structures may be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the shade structure.

In addition to sunshields and shade structures, there are also other structures that are provided for amusement purposes. Examples of such structures are illustrated in the present inventor's U.S. Ser. No. 08/778,878, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446. Each of these structures also use one or more resilient loop members to support the structure in an expanded configuration. These structures may also be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides basic principles which are effective in constructing a wide variety of collapsible structures, such as but not limited to sunshields, partitions, shade structures, amusement structures, container structures and other structures that can be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure. These collapsible structures have simple constructions, are easy to use, and provide the user with much variety in use and play.

The collapsible structure according to the present invention includes at least a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel includes a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge and an opposing second edge, the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position. Each panel further includes a fabric for substantially covering the loop member, with the loop member substantially supporting the fabric in particular areas so that the fabric assumes the particular configuration of the loop member when in the expanded position of the loop member. The loop members of the first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, and at a second overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, with the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the first and second loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable. One side of the third panel is hingedly connected to either the left side or the right side of the first panel. The loop members and their associated fabric are foldable on top of each other about their respective hinge portions to have the loop members and their associated fabric overlaying each other, and the overlaying loop members are collapsible to the collapsed positions by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric rings and layers of fabric to substantially reduce the size of the structure in the collapsed position.

Each panel further includes a loop retaining portion provided along the fabric for retaining the loop members. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the loop retaining portion of the one side of the third panel is stitched to the loop retaining portion of the one side of the first panel to form the hinged connection. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the loop retaining portions of the first and third panels converge to form one sleeve portion for retaining and hinging the loop members of the first and third panels to form the hinged connection.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the hinge portion is positioned vertically with respect to the ground, and the second edges of the two loop members of the first and second panels rest on the ground when the loop members are in the expanded position. The hinge portion further includes a stitch line connecting the fabric of the two loop members and extending from about the first overlapping point to about the second overlapping point.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the structure includes a fourth panel having a structure similar to the other panels. The loop members of the first and fourth panels overlap each other at a third overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the first and fourth panels, and at a fourth overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the first and fourth panels, with the overlapping loop members defining a second hinge portion about which the first and fourth loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structure further includes a roof panel attached to the first edges of the loop members of some of the panels, thereby forming a shade structure. An opening may be provided in the third panel to provide ingress and egress to the interior of the structure. A floor panel may also be attached to the second edges of the loop members of some of the panels.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the structure further includes a lid hingedly connected to the first edge of the first panel.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the structure has a first panel and a second panel that are structured and overlapped in the manner described above. The structure further includes a first supporting fabric connected to portions of the first edges of the first and second panels, and a second supporting fabric connected to portions of the second edges of the first and second panels. The supporting fabrics define the limits to which the first and second panels can be pivoted away from each other.

The structures according to the present invention are collapsible into smaller structures for convenient transportation and storage. In addition, it is possible to combine a plurality of the structures to provide structures having different sizes and configurations, thereby increasing the variety of use and play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a sunshield according to a first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the sunshield of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cut-away sectional view of the sunshield of FIG. 1A taken along section 2--2 thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the resilient loop members that can be used to support the sunshield of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the sunshield of FIG. 1A positioned behind an automobile windshield;

FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate how the sunshield of FIG. 1A may be twisted and folded for compact storage;

FIG. 5F illustrates the resilient loop members of FIG. 3 in a folded position illustrating how the loop members are folded to provide for two sets of three loop portions to thereby substantially reduce the size thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a structure according to a third embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate how the different panels of the structure of FIG. 8 may be folded upon each other prior to twisting and folding for compact storage;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a structure according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a structure according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a structure according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIGS. 12B-12D illustrate how the different panels of the structure of FIG. 12A may be folded upon each other prior to twisting and folding for compact storage;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a structure according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration, which represents a modification to the structure of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a structure according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a structure according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred connection between two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 12A taken along line 16--16 thereof;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of a second preferred connection between two adjacent panels of the structure of FIG. 12A taken along line 16--16 thereof;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a structure according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a structure according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a structure according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention illustrated in an expanded configuration.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The principles of the present invention are applicable to sunshields, partition structures and other structures, including shade structures, container structures, and amusement structures, and shall be described herein in connection with such structures. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the principles of the present invention are not so limited and can be applied to other structures for many different uses.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a structure 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, which may be used as a sunshield. The sunshield 20 is formed by two resilient loop members 22 and 24 that together define the outer boundary of the sunshield 20. Referring to FIG. 3, each loop member 22 and 24 is provided as a closed resilient loop, either as a closed continuous loop or as a strip of material with both ends held together by a retaining connector or other conventional attachment mechanism to form a closed loop. The resilient loop members 22 and 24 are preferably made from a relatively strong springy material which is flexible enough to allow it to be coiled. The preferred material for the loop members 22 and 24 includes flat spring steel stock, and in particular, stainless steel, although plastic may also be used. Each closed loop member 22 and 24 is preferably substantially equal in size and symmetrically disposed, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the resilient loop members 22 and 24 may assume any variety of shapes and sizes, including but not limited to circular or oval. Both resilient loop members 22 and 24 can even be provided in different sizes.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the two loop members 22 and 24 are fitted within each other, and overlap or cross-over each other at overlapping points 26 and 28. The overlapping point 26 is defined by the intersection or crossing of the upper edges 30 and 34 of loop members 22 and 24, respectively, and the overlapping point 28 is defined by the intersection or crossing of the lower edges 32 and 36 of loop members 22 and 24, respectively. The overlapping points 26 and 28 can be positioned anywhere along the upper edge 30 or lower edge 32 of the loop member 22, and anywhere along the upper edge 34 or lower edge 36 of the loop member 24. FIG. 1A illustrates the overlapping points 26 and 28 provided near the adjacent side edges of the two loop members 22 and 24. The two overlapping loop members 22 and 24 are pivotable about their overlapping points 26 and 28 between two positions, a first completely open position (see FIG. 1B) in which both loop members 22 and 24 lie flat in the same plane and extend to the widest longitudinal length of the sunshield 22, and a second folded position in which the loop members 22 and 24 are folded towards each other (such as in the direction of arrows 70a and 70b in FIG. 1) to overlie each other. The sunshield 20 is normally deployed at the windshield of an automobile when in the first completely open position, and the sunshield 20 is deployed to the second folded position as a first step towards folding and collapsing the sunshield 20 into a smaller size, as described in greater detail hereinbelow.

Each loop member 22 and 24 is retained in a loop retaining portion of one or more fabric pieces. Two fabric pieces 40 and 42 are provided, one for each loop member 22 and 24, respectively. At least one of the fabric pieces 40 or 42 may be provided as two separate pieces or portions of fabric. Each fabric piece 40 and 42 completely covers, and forms a panel 52 or 54 within, the respective loop member 22 or 24, and is preferably held in tension with the loop member 22 or 24. One side of each fabric 40, 42 may used as the window-facing side of the sunshield.

The fabric pieces 40 and 42 are preferably made from a sheet material which is effective in reflecting and blocking light and heat from entering the interior of the automobile, and may be made from sheet fabric, woven fabric, PVC, metal foil, and even films. A layer of metallized fabric or other reflective material may be added to the window-facing sides of the fabric 40, 42 to further aid in reflecting and blocking light and heat. A less expensive, though less effective, alternative is to choose a white fabric as the reflective surface. In addition, the window-facing sides may be provided with a different color so that the user can easily recognize it.

The loop retaining portions are preferably provided in the form of a sleeve for retaining the loop members 22 and 24. The loop members 22 and 24 may be retained at the loop retaining portions by a number of different methods. In a first preferred method, which is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a sleeve 44 may be formed by folding a peripheral edge of the fabric 40 or 42 over the loop member 22 or 24 and then applying a stitching (such as designated by numeral 46), or by providing a separately-formed tubular sleeve that is stitched along the same stitch line 46 to the fabric 40, 42. Under this first method, the loop members 22 and 24 may be left free and unsecured within the sleeves 44. In a second preferred method, the loop members 22 and 24 may be mechanically fastened, glued or fused to the sleeve 44 or the fabric 40, 42. Other conventional methods may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The loop members 22 and 24 should not be connected or attached at the overlapping points 26 and 28 so as to allow the loop members 22 and 24 to pivot about these points. The structure of the sleeve 44 at the overlapping points 26 and 28 can be provided in one of several ways. In a first alternative illustrated in an exaggerated sense in FIG. 3, a small portion of the sleeves 44 for both loop members 22 and 24 may be interrupted or disconnected adjacent the overlapping points 26 and 28 so as to expose the loop members 22 and 24 at these overlapping points 26 and 28. As a second alternative, the sleeves 44 for both panels 52 and 54 can be connected to each other to form a "+" or cross-shaped sleeve portion at the overlapping points 26 and 28 (see FIG. 2). As a third example, the respective sleeves 44 for both panels 52 and 54 can run uninterrupted throughout the closed loop of the loop members 22 and 24. Thus, the loop members 22 and 24 pivot about the overlapping points 26 and 28 in the two directions illustrated by arrow 48 in FIG. 2, with the overlapping points 26 and 28 together acting as a hinge mechanism when the loop members 22 and 24 are pivoted about these points 26 and 28 at the same time. To better define the overall hinge mechanism created by the overlapping portions 26 and 28, this hinge mechanism may optionally include a stitch line 50 along which the two fabric pieces 40 and 42 are stitched together. The stitch line 50 extends from one overlapping point 26 to the other overlapping point 28, and assists in maintaining the loop members 22 and 24 at about the same overlapping points 26 and 28 even though the loop members 22 and 24 are not connected or attached to each other. Thus, the two side panels 52 and 54 defined by the loop members 22 and 24, respectively, may also be hinged and pivoted about the stitch or pivot line 50.

It will also be appreciated that the loop retaining portion or sleeve 44 can be provided either at the periphery of the fabric 40 and 42, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, or at a portion of the fabric 40 and 42 interior from the periphery. The only requirement is that the loop members 22 and 24 be positioned so that they can sufficiently support the sunshield 20 to effectively cover the automobile window or sunshield.

It will be appreciated that suction cups 56 can be optionally positioned anywhere on the window-facing sides of the fabric 40 and 42. Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other conventional attachment devices, such as snaps or VELCRO™, may be used in place of the suction cups 56 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the sunshield 20 in position against a windshield 58. Although the operation of the sunshield 20 is shown in connection with a windshield, it is understood that the sunshield 20 can also be used effectively in the same manner with side and rear windows. The windshield 58 is held in position by a frame 60 and the sunshield 20 is positioned between a dashboard 62 and a ceiling 64 of the automobile. Visors 66 and the rear view mirror 68 may be used to provide support for the sunshield 20 against the windshield 58, although it is understood that the visors 66 are not necessary if the suction cups 56 are used. In most cases, suction cups 56 alone are sufficient for retaining the sunshield 20 against the windshield 58 or any side window or rear window where there are no overhanging visors. However, when used to cover a windshield 58, the visors 66 may also be flipped down to assist in retaining the sunshield 20 against the windshield 58. When the sunshield 20 is to be stored, the sunshield 20 can be easily removed from the windshield 58 by pulling the suction cups 56 from the windshield 58. These suction cups 56 can also be removably attached to the fabric pieces 40 and 42 so that worn-out or defective suction cups 56 can be replaced after a period of use.

The shape of the loop members 22 and 24, and of the resulting sunshield 20, is not important as long as they are sized and shaped so that they sufficiently support the sunshield 20 to effectively cover the entire windshield 58. Any shape may be used, and a few examples are illustrated in my previous U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,784 to Zheng, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. For example, the loop members 22 and 24 may be circular, oval, truncated circular, truncated oval, substantially rectangular, or any other variety of shapes.

FIGS. 5(A) through 5(E) describe the various steps for folding and collapsing the structure 20 of FIG. 1 for storage. The first step consists of folding the two loop members 22 and 24 toward each other (as shown by arrows 70a and 70b in FIG. 1) about the hinge mechanism of the overlapping points 26 and 28, and the optional stitch line 50. When the two loop members 22 and 24 are folded together, the second step, shown in FIG. 5A, is to twist and fold the combined structure to initially collapse the loop members and fabric into a smaller diameter. As shown in FIG. 5B, the third step is to fold in the opposite side of the combined structure upon the previous fold to further collapse the combined loop members. As shown in FIG. 5C, the fourth step is to continue the collapsing so that the size of the structure is a fraction of the diameter of the initial structure. FIG. 5D shows the fifth step with the loop members 22, 24 and fabric panels 52, 54 collapsed on each other to provide for a small essentially compact configuration having a plurality of concentric closed loop rings and layers of fabric so that the collapsed structure has a size which is a fraction of the original size of the structure.

In addition, referring to FIGS. 1 and 5E, a retaining member 72 may be attached to one end of the sunshield 20, and may be used to tie or hold the collapsed sunshield 20 in the collapsed position. Alternatively, a bag (not shown) may be used to store the collapsed sunshield 20.

FIG. 5F illustrates loop members 22 and 24 in the collapsed position. The structure of each loop member 22 and 24 essentially consists of two sets of three loop rings intertwined to lie flat. In the collapsed position, the structure would have a diameter of less than twelve inches, which makes it easy to store the sunshield inside an automobile.

Although the structure 20 is illustrated as being a sunshield 20, the same structure can be provided in larger sizes and used as a partition or for other uses. For example, the structure 20, as shown in FIG. 1 with the lower edges 32 and 36 of the loop members 22 and 24, respectively, resting on a flat surface, such as the ground, can be used as a partition. The panels 52 and 54 would act as the walls of the partition, with the interconnecting hinge mechanism acting as a pivotable corner of the partition. This interconnecting hinge mechanism would be disposed substantially vertically, or perpendicular to the ground. When used as a partition, the size and configuration of the loop members 22 and 24, and therefore the panels 52 and 54, respectively, are not limited to the size and shape of a windshield and can therefore be varied. In addition, the overlapping points 26 and 28 can be positioned along different parts of the upper and lower edges 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the loop members 22 and 24. These variations and modifications can be made to suit the user's needs. As a non-limiting example, a substantially "+" or cross-shaped partition can be defined by positioning the overlapping points 26 and 28 at substantially the centers of the upper and lower edges 30, 32, 34 and 36 of the loop members 22 and 24, or at points between the center and the side edges of the upper and lower edges 30, 32, 34 and 36, as shown in FIG. 3. This will provide a partition which defines four separate non-enclosed spaces. In addition, the angle A (see FIG. 2) between the panels 52 and 54 can be varied between 1 degree and 180 degrees to vary the configuration of the partition and the size of the space defined between the panels 52 and 54. Other alternatives can be provided and modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Partitions and sunshields having more than two loop members and panels can also be provided according to the present invention. Referring to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6, a partition or sunshield 100 has three separate panels 102, 104 and 106, each defined by a loop member (not shown) and having the same construction as panels 52 and 54 and loop members 22 and 24 described above. Panels 102 and 104 are interconnected at the overlapping points 108, 110 and stitch line 112 by overlapping their respective loop members in the manner described above. Similarly, panels 104 and 106 are interconnected at the overlapping points 114, 116 and stitch line 118 by overlapping their respective loop members, also in the manner described above.

FIG. 6 shows the structure 100 in use as a partition, with the lower edges 124, 126 and 128 of the panels 102, 104 and 106, respectively, resting on the ground, and the interconnecting hinge mechanisms (i.e., the optional stitch line 112 and the overlapping points 108 and 110, and the optional stitch line 118 and the overlapping points 114 and 116) disposed vertically. The angle B between the panels 102 and 104, and the angle C between the panels 104 and 106, can be varied by pivoting the interconnecting hinge mechanisms. When the structure 100 is to be used as a sunshield, the panels 106 and 102 are folded in the directions indicated by arrows 120 and 122, respectively, so that the three panels 102, 104 and 106 lie flat in the same plane. To fold and collapse the three panels 102, 104 and 106, the panels 106 and 102 are folded toward the panel 104 in the directions indicated by arrows 130 and 132, respectively, so that the three panels 102, 104 and 106 overlie each other to form one stack of panels. The folding and collapsing steps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold and collapse the structure 100 into a size which is a fraction of the original size of the structure.

The third preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 7 is a modification 100a of the partition or sunshield 100 of FIG. 6. The structure 100a is essentially the same as the structure 100, except that the panels 102a and 104a are interconnected at overlapping points 108a, 110a and stitch line 112a which are at a different position along the edge 124a of panel 102a. FIG. 7 shows the structure 100a in use as a partition, with the lower edges 124a, 126a and 128a of the panels 102a, 104a and 106a, respectively, resting on the ground, and the interconnecting hinge mechanisms disposed vertically. When the structure 100a is to be used as a sunshield, the panels 106a and 102a are folded in the directions indicated by arrows 120a and 122a, respectively, so that the three panels 102a, 104a and 106a lie flat in the same plane. To fold and collapse the three panels 102a, 104a and 106a, the panels 106a and 102a are folded toward the panel 104a in the directions indicated by arrows 130a and 132a, respectively, so that the three panels 102a, 104a and 106a overlie each other to form one stack of panels. The folding and collapsing steps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold and collapse the structure 100a into a size which is a fraction of the original size of the structure.

The fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. A structure 140 has four separate panels 142, 144, 146 and 148, each defined by a loop member (not shown) and having the same construction as panels 52 and 54 and loop members 22 and 24 described above. Panels 142 and 144 are interconnected at the overlapping points 150, 152 and stitch line 154 by overlapping their respective loop members in the manner described above. Similarly, panels 144 and 146 are interconnected at the overlapping points 156, 158 and stitch line 160, panels 146 and 148 are interconnected at the overlapping point 162 and stitch line 166, and panels 142 and 148 are interconnected at the overlapping points 168, 170 and stitch line 172. FIG. 8 shows the structure 140 in use as a partition, with the lower edges 174, 176, 178 and 180 of the panels 142, 144, 146 and 148, respectively, resting on the ground, and the four interconnecting hinge mechanisms disposed vertically. The angles between adjacent panels of the partition 140 can be varied by pivoting the interconnecting hinge mechanisms.

To fold and collapse the four panels 142, 144, 146 and 148, panels 142 and 144 are pushed against panels 148 and 146, respectively, in the direction of arrow 182 shown in FIG. 9A so that the four panels 142, 144, 146 and 148 take the configuration shown in FIG. 9B, with panels 142 and 148 overlying each other and panels 144 and 146 overlying each other. During this first pushing step, the respective interconnecting hinge mechanisms (which include the optional hinge stitches 154, 160, 166 and 172 and their respective overlapping points) are pivoted. One pair of overlaying panels 142, 148 or 144, 146 is then folded over the interconnecting hinge mechanisms defined in part by hinge stitches 154 and 166 in the direction of arrow 184 in FIG. 9B, so that the four panels 142, 144, 146 and 148 overlie each other to form one stack of panels as shown in FIG. 9C. The folding and collapsing steps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can be used to fold and collapse the structure 140 into a size which is a fraction of the original size of the structure.

The partition 140 can also be provided with a roof 198 (shown in FIG. 11) so that it can be used as a collapsible shade structure or tent 202. For example, a fabric panel can be stitched or otherwise connected by known methods to the upper edges 188a, 190a, 192a and 194a of the panels 142a, 144a, 146a and 148a, respectively, so that the four panels 142a, 144a, 146a and 148a and the fabric roof 198 define an enclosed interior space. Openings 196a can be provided in one or more of the panels 142a, 144a, 146a and 148a to provide ingress and egress. In addition, another fabric or other material can be stitched or otherwise connected by known methods to the lower edges 174a, 176a, 178a and 180a of the panels 142a, 144a, 146a and 148a, respectively, to define a floor 200a for the shade structure. The shade structure 202 is folded and collapsed in the same manner described above for partition 140. Even though the structures 140 and 202 are shown as having four panels, it is possible to provide the structures 140 or 202 (used as a partition, shade structure, or other use) with three panels interconnected to each other according to the principles of the present invention.

In addition, it is possible to combine a plurality of the structures to provide structures with different sizes and configurations, thereby increasing the variety of use and play. As a non-limiting example, FIG. 10 illustrates a structure 210 that is made up of two separate substantially "+" or cross-shaped structures 212 and 214 connected to each other along adjacent side edges 216 and 220 of panels 226 and 224, respectively, and adjacent side edges 218 and 222 of panels 230 and 228, respectively. The connection along the side edges may be made permanent by applying stitching, or may be made detachable by using conventional detachable attachment devices, such as snaps, hooks or VELCRO™. Each structure 212 and 214 has two separate panels 224, 228 and 226, 230 respectively, each connected by one interconnecting hinge mechanism which includes the overlapping points 232, 234, 238 and 240 and the optional hinge stitches 236 and 242, according to the principles described hereinabove. The overall structure 210 may be a partition structure having one enclosed space and a plurality of other non-enclosed spaces. Alternatively, fabric roofs may be stitched or otherwise connected to all portions, or certain specific portions, of the structures 212 and 214 to provide either a full or a partial shade structure.

The principles of the present invention can also be used to extend the length of a panel for a larger structure. For example, the individual module shown and illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,560,385 can be elongated by providing one of the side panels with a pair of overlapping panels according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12A, a structure 300 has a first end panel 302 and a second end panel 304 opposite to the first end panel 302. The structure further includes first and second left panels 306 and 308, and first and second right panels 310 and 312.

The first end panel 302 has a left side 314, a bottom side 316, a right side 318 and a top side 320. The second end panel 304 has a left side 322, a bottom side 324 (not shown), a right side 326 and a top side 328. The first left panel 306 has a left side 330, a bottom side 332, a right side 334 and a top side 336. The second left panel 308 has a left side 338, a bottom side 340, a right side 342 and a top side 344. The first right panel 310 has a left side 346, a bottom side 348 (not shown), a right side 350 and a top side 352. The second right panel 312 has a left side 354, a bottom side 356 (not shown), a right side 358 and a top side 360.

Each end panel 302 and 304 has a continuous loop retaining sleeve 380 provided along and traversing the four edges of its four sides. See FIG. 16A. A continuous loop member 382, which can be the same as the loop member 22 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, is retained or held within each retaining sleeve 380 to support each end panel 302 and 304. Fabric or sheet material extends across each end panel 302, 304 and is held taut by the respective loop member 382 when in its open or expanded position. The loop members 382 may be merely retained within the respective retaining sleeves 380 without being connected thereto. Alternatively, the retaining sleeves 380 may be mechanically fastened, stitched, fused, or glued to the loop members 382 to retain them in position.

Each pair of the left panels 306 and 308, and the right panels 310 and 312, is connected in the same overlapping manner as the pair of panels 52 and 54 described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3. Specifically, the left panels 306 and 308 are overlapped adjacent the left side 330 of the first left panel 306 and the right side 342 of the second left panel 308 along stitch or pivot line 370, and the right panels 310 and 312 are overlapped adjacent the left side 354 of the second right panel 312 and the right side 350 of the first right panel 310 along stitch or pivot line 372. In addition, the left side 314 of the first end panel 302 is hingedly connected to the right side 334 of the first left panel 306, and the right side 318 of the first end panel 302 is hingedly connected to the left side 346 of the first right panel 310. Similarly, the left side 322 of the second end panel 304 is hingedly connected to the right side 358 of the second right panel 312, and the right side 326 of the second end panel 304 is hingedly connected to the left side 338 of the second left panel 308.

FIG. 16A illustrates one structure and method for hingedly connecting the left side 314 of end panel 302 and the right side 334 of the first left panel 306. The fabric pieces for each panel 302 and 306 are stitched at their edges by a stitching 384 to the respective sleeves 380a for panel 302 and 380b for panel 306. In FIGS. 16A and 16B, loop member 382a represents the loop member for panel 302 and loop member 382b represents the Loop member for panel 306. Each sleeve 380a, 380b may be formed by folding a piece of fabric. The stitching 384 also acts as a hinge for the panels 302 and 306 to be folded upon each other, as explained below. At the top side 320, 328 and the bottom side 316, 324 of each end panel 302, 304, respectively, where there is no hinge connection to an adjacent panel, the retaining sleeve 380 may be formed by merely folding over the corresponding fabric piece and applying a stitching. The fabric piece for the corresponding end panel 302, 304 may then be stitched to the sleeve 380.

FIG. 16B illustrates another structure and method for hingedly connecting the left side 314 of end panel 302 and the right side 334 of the first left panel 306. As in the connection of FIG. 16A, the fabric pieces are folded over at their edges at bottom sides 316 and 332, and at top sides 320 and 336, to define the respective sleeves 380. However, the retaining sleeves 380 for each panel 302, 306 converge at, or are connected to, one sleeve portion which interconnects panels 302, 306 to form a singular retaining sleeve 386 which retains the loop members 382a and 382b. Sleeve 386 may be formed by providing a tubular fabric, or by folding a piece of fabric, and applying a stitching 388 to its edges to connect the sleeve 386 to the fabric pieces of the panels 302, 306. Stitching 388 acts as a hinge for the panels 302, 306. The other hinged connections of adjacent sides may be identical to those illustrated in either FIG. 16A or FIG. 16B.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate how the structure 300 can be folded and collapsed into a smaller size. In the first step, the hinged connection between the left side 314 of end panel 302 and the right side 334 of the first left panel 306 is pushed in (see arrow 400 in FIG. 12A) about the hinged connection so that end panel 302 collapses upon the first right panel 310 and the first left panel 306 is disposed generally parallel to the second end panel 304 (see FIG. 12B). In the second step, the panels 302 and 310 are then pivoted about the hinges defined by the stitch line 372 and the hinged connection between the left side 314 of end panel 302 and the right side 334 of the first left panel 306 (see arrow 402 in FIG. 12B) so that the panels 302 and 310 are collapsed onto the first left panel 306 (see FIG. 12C). At this point, the structure 300 has been reduced to a structure that is about half the size of the original structure 300. In the third step, panels 304 and 312 are pushed in about their hinged connection (see arrow 404 in FIG. 12D) such that end panel 304 collapses upon second left panel 308 and second right panel 312 collapses upon first left panel 306. Then, in the fourth step, the two combined panels 304 and 308 are pivoted about the hinges defined by the stitch line 370 and the hinged connection between the left side 322 of end panel 304 and the right side 358 of the second right panel 312 so as to be collapsed upon the stack of the other panels 312, 306, 302 and 310 (in that order). This creates a single stack of the six panels 308, 304, 312, 306, 302 and 310 (in that order). The folding and collapsing steps illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5E can then be used to fold and collapse this stack of panels into a size which is a fraction of the original size of the structure 300.

To deploy the structure 300 back to the expanded, fully deployed position, the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 and their associated loop members 382 are unfolded. The resiliency and spring force of the loop members 382 will cause the loop members 382, and their associated panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, to spring open to the expanded configuration. The different panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 can then be pivoted about their hinges to deploy the structure 300 in its original expanded configuration.

As a result, the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 are connected to each other to define an enclosed space surrounded by four walls. Two of the shorter walls are defined by the end panels 302 and 304, while each of the other two, longer, walls is defined by a pair of overlapped panels 306 and 308, or 310 and 312. Thus, the overlapped panels 306, 308 and 310, 312 operate to extend the length of the left and right sides of structure 300. This is advantageous over providing elongated left and right panels, since elongated panels can be difficult to grip, and to fold and collapse. By providing overlapping panels, the panels can be folded on to each other to initially reduce the overall size of the elongated sides, and the overlapped stack of panels can then be further folded and collapsed to reduce the size of the structure 300. In addition, the overlapping portions of the overlapped panels provide structural stability to the extended sides formed by these overlapped panels. In this regard, it is also possible to provide an elongated side that is comprised of three or more panels, such as illustrated in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 13 illustrates the structure 300 modified for use as a container (e.g., a box). A floor 410 is provided in the form of a fabric that is stitched or otherwise connected to the bottom sides 316, 324, 332, 340, 348 and 356 of the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312, respectively. In addition, a first lid 412 and a second lid 414 are provided. Each lid 412 and 414 can take the form of a panel having a structure that is the same as the end panels 302 and 304. One side 416 and 418 of the lids 412, 414 is hingedly attached (using one of the structures and methods illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B) to the top sides 352 and 360 of the right panels 310 and 312, respectively. Each lid 412, 414 is preferably sized and configured to cover the top of the space between opposing right and left panels. In addition, latching, attachment or locking mechanisms can be provided to secure the lids 412, 414 against the top sides 336, 344 of the left panels 306, 308, respectively. Thus, the enclosed space can be used to hold or store any desired object(s). To fold and collapse the structure 300 in FIG. 13, the lids 412 and 414 are additionally folded over their hinged connections with the right panels 310 and 312, respectively, to create a stack of eight panels that is folded and collapsed according to the method described above in connection with FIGS. 12A-12D and 5A-5E.

The principles of the structure 300 can be further utilized to provide collapsible structures for a wide variety of applications. One such example is illustrated by the shade structure 430 of FIG. 14, which is similar to the structure 300, and has a first end panel 432, a second end panel 434 opposite to the first end panel 432, first and second left panels 436 and 438, and first and second right panels 440 and 442. The panels 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and 442 may be provided in slightly different shapes and sizes when compared to the corresponding panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 in structure 300, but these panels 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and 442 are otherwise structured and connected in the same manner as the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, respectively, in structure 300. In this regard, the first and second left panels 436 and 438 are connected in an overlapping manner, and the first and second right panels 440 and 442 are also connected in an overlapping manner. In addition, the end panels 432 and 434 are hingedly connected to their adjacent left and right panels 436, 438, 440 and 442.

The shade structure 430 additionally includes a raised roof 444 which is made from a fabric material connected to the top sides of the panels 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and 442. Since the left side 446 of the first left panel 436 and the right side 448 of the second left panel 438 are longer than the right side 450 of the first left panel 436 and the left side 452 of the second left panel 438, the center of the structure 300 is higher so that the roof 444 becomes raised as it extends from the end panels 432, 434 towards the center of the structure 300. An opening 454 can be provided in one or both end panels 432, 434 to provide ingress and egress to the interior of the shade structure 300. An optional floor 456, which can be made from a fabric material, can also be connected to the bottom sides of the panels 432, 434, 436, 438, 440 and 442.

The structure 430 can be folded and collapsed, as well as re-deployed to the fully expanded configuration, according to the same methods utilized for the structure 300 described above.

As an additional example of how the principles of the structure 300 can be further utilized to provide collapsible structures for a wide variety of applications, FIG. 15 illustrates a collapsible arcade-like or amusement structure 500 which is similar to those described in the present inventor's U.S. Ser. No. 08/778,878, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446. However, the structure 500 provides two elongated side walls which are made up of two overlapping panels. In particular, the structure 500 is similar to the structure 300, and has a front panel 502, a rear panel 504, first and second left panels 506 and 508, and first and second right panels 510 and 512. The panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512 may be provided in slightly different shapes and sizes when compared to the corresponding panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 in structure 300, but these panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512 are otherwise structured and connected in the same manner as the panels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, respectively, in structure 300. In this regard, the first and second left panels 506 and 508 are connected in an overlapping manner, and the first and second right panels 510 and 512 are also connected in an overlapping manner. In addition, the front and rear panels 502 and 504 are hingedly connected to their adjacent left and right panels 506, 508, 510 and 512.

In addition, the left and right panels 506, 508, 510 and 512 are configured so that they slope or angle upwardly from the front panel 502 towards the rear panel 504, so that the right side 516 of the first left panel 506 has a smaller vertical height than the left side 518 of the second left panel 508. The rear panel 504 is significantly higher than the other panels 502, 506, 508, 510, 512, and forms a backboard for a basket 520. The shade structure 500 additionally includes a top fabric 522 which is connected adjacent to, but offset from and below, the top sides of the panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512, so that it also slopes upwardly from the front panel 502 towards the rear panel 504. An optional floor 524, which can be made from a fabric material, can also be connected to the bottom sides of the panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512.

The structure 500 can be folded and collapsed, as well as re-deployed to the fully expanded configuration, according to the same methods utilized for the structure 300 described above.

In using the amusement structure 500, the user may toss a ball (not shown) at the basket 520. All balls passing through the basket, or bounced off the backboard (i.e., the rear panel 504), will be returned to the user at the front panel 502 because the sloping or angled nature of the top fabric 522 will cause the ball to roll towards the front panel 502. Since the top fabric 522 is offset from and below the top sides of the panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512, the ball will be retained on top of the top fabric 522, but inside the confines of the panels 502, 504, 506, 508, 510 and 512. Additional modifications and amusement features that can be used for the amusement structure 500 are illustrated and described in the present inventor's U.S. Ser. No. 08/778,878, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,446 whose entire disclosure is hereby incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein.

The principles of the present invention can be applied to a variety of amusement structures. FIG. 17 illustrates a structure 600 that has a first panel 610 and a second panel 612, each defined by a separate loop member 602, 604, respectively, and having the same construction as panels 52 and 54 and loop members 22 and 24 described above. Panels 610 and 612 are interconnected at overlapping points 606, 608 and stitch line 614 by overlapping their respective loop members 602, 604 in the manner described above.

The structure 600 further includes a left supporting fabric piece 616 that is connected, such as by stitching, to most of the left side of the first panel 610 and the upper left side of the second panel 612, and a right supporting fabric piece 618 that is connected, such as by stitching, to most of the right side of the first panel 610 and the upper right side of the second panel 612. The fabric pieces 616 and 618 define the limits to which the two panels 610, 612 can be pivoted away from each other (i.e., pivoted away in the directions of arrows 620, 622). An opening 624 is provided in the second panel 612 adjacent the stitch line 614. A pocket 626 is stitched or otherwise provided at the lower end of first panel 610. The pocket 626 can be made of a mesh or fabric material, and is adapted to receive a ball 628 that has passed through the opening 624. Specifically, a ball 628 that is tossed at the first panel 610 (e.g., at the "bulls-eye" 630) will hit the first panel 610 and roll down the first panel 610 since the first panel 610 is angled. If the ball 628 rolls through the opening 624, it will continue to roll down the first panel 610 and be collected in the pocket 626. Otherwise, the ball 628 will be collected between the panels 610, 612 at the stitch line 614.

FIG. 18 illustrates another amusement structure 700 that utilizes the principles of the present invention. The structure 700 has a first panel 710 and a second panel 712, each defined by a separate loop member 702, 704, respectively, and having the same construction as panels 52 and 54 and loop members 22 and 24 described above. Panels 710 and 712 are interconnected at overlapping points 706, 708 and stitch line 714 by overlapping their respective loop members 702, 704 in the manner described above.

The structure 700 further includes a first end fabric piece 716 that is connected, such as by stitching, to most of the left sides of the first panel 710 and the second panel 712, and a second end fabric piece 718 that is connected, such as by stitching, to most of the right sides of the first panel 710 and the second panel 712. Each end fabric piece 716, 718 extends or spans across the space defined by the extremities of the left and right sides of the panels 710, 712 when the structure 700 is in the fully deployed position with the panels 710, 712 fully expanded and pivoted about the overlapping points 706, 708. Each end fabric piece 716, 718 can be provided in a one piece, or in four separate pieces. For example, the end fabric piece 716 can be made up of four separate pieces 716a, 716b, 716c and 716d. The piece 716a extends between the two panels 710, 712 below the overlapping point 706. The piece 716c extends between the two panels 710, 712 above the overlapping point 706. Pieces 716b and 716d extend along opposite exteriors of the left sides of the panels 710, 712. The fabric pieces 716 and 718 define the limits to which the two panels 710, 712 can be pivoted away from each other (i.e., pivoted away in the directions of arrows 720, 722).

In the structure 700, the overlapping points 706 and 708 are not situated at the center of the left and right sides of the loop members 702, 704. Instead, these overlapping points 706 and 708 are situated between the center and the top of the left and right sides of the loop members 702, 704 so as to provide the structure 700 with a wider base and a narrower top.

As a result, the panels 710, 712 and the fabric pieces 716 and 718 define both an interior space below the stitch line 714, and a top receiving well 726 above the stitch line 714. An opening 724 can be provided in one or both end fabric pieces 716, 718 to allow ingress and egress to the interior of the structure 700. An optional floor 730, which can be made of fabric, can be stitched or otherwise connected to the bottom sides of the panels 710, 712. In addition, the receiving well 726 can be adapted to receive light objects 728 that can be tossed at the receiving well 726. Thus, the structure 700 actually provides several play opportunities: the structure 700 can be used as a shade structure, or as an amusement structure 700 with the user tossing light objects 728 into the receiving well 726.

The structures 600 and 700 can be folded and collapsed, as well as re-deployed to the fully expanded configuration, according to the same methods utilized for the structure 20 described above. The fabric pieces 616, 618, 716, 718 and the pocket 626 are made from a flexible material that will fold and collapse together with the fabric of the panels 610, 612, 710, 712.

As illustrated in the non-limiting embodiments and examples above, the principles of the present invention can be applied to a large variety of objects, including but not limited to sunshields, partitions, shade structures (which include tents), containers and amusement structures. These structures can also be used as play structures (partitions, tents, shade structures, amusement games, etc.) for children and infants. When used for partitions, shade structures and containers, the fabric is preferably made from strong, lightweight materials and may include woven fabrics, sheet fabrics or even films. The fabric should be water-resistant and durable to withstand the wear and tear associated with rough treatment by children. The loop members can be made from the same materials described above for loop members 22 and 24.

All the structures according to the present invention are collapsible into smaller structures for convenient transportation and storage. In addition, it is possible to combine a plurality of the structures to provide structures having different sizes and configurations, thereby increasing the variety of use and play. Each of the structures according to the present invention are defined by adjacent panels connected by overlapping or crossing loop members encased in these panels. Each pair of adjacent overlapping loop members define a vertical interconnecting hinge between the two adjacent panels about which these panels may be pivoted.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A structure comprising:(a) a first panel, a second panel and a third panel, wherein each of the panels includes:a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge and an opposing second edge, the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position; a fabric covering at least a portion of the loop member, with the loop member substantially supporting the fabric so that the fabric assumes the particular configuration of the loop member when in the expanded position of the loop member; and a left side and a right side defined by the loop member and the fabric; (b) wherein the loop members of the first and second panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, and at a second overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the first and second panels, the overlapping loop members defining a hinge portion about which the first and second loop members of the first and second panels are pivotable; and (c) wherein one side of the third panel is hingedly connected to one side of the first panel.
 2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the loop members are foldable on top of each other about their respective hinge portions to have the loop members overlaying each other, and wherein the overlaying loop members are collapsible to the collapsed positions by twisting and folding to form a plurality of concentric rings to substantially reduce the size of the structure in the collapsed position.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion is positioned vertically with respect to the ground, and the second edges of the two loop members of the first and second panels rest on the ground when the loop members are in the expanded position.
 4. The structure of claim 1, further including a fourth panel having:a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge and an opposing second edge, the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position; and a fabric covering at least a portion of the loop member, with the loop member substantially supporting the fabric so that the fabric assumes the particular configuration of the loop member when in the expanded position of the loop member; wherein the loop members of the first and fourth panels overlap each other at a third overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the first and fourth panels, and at a fourth overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the first and fourth panels, the overlapping loop members defining a second hinge portion about which the first and fourth loop members of the first and fourth panels are pivotable.
 5. The structure of claim 1, wherein the hinge portion further includes a stitch line connecting the fabric of the two loop members and extending from about the first overlapping point to about the second overlapping point.
 6. The structure of claim 1, wherein each panel further includes a loop retaining portion provided along the fabric for retaining the loop members.
 7. The structure of claim 6, wherein the loop retaining portion of the one side of the third panel is stitched to the loop retaining portion of the one side of the first panel to form the hinged connection.
 8. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second overlapping points are provided near the left side of the first panel and near the right side of the second panel.
 9. The structure of claim 1, wherein the first and second overlapping points are provided at about the center of the first and second edges of the loop members of the first and second panels.
 10. A structure comprising:(a) a first end panel, a second end panel, first and second left panels, and first and second right panels, wherein each of the panels includes:a flexible loop member defining a closed loop and having a first edge and an opposing second edge, the loop member adapted to assume an expanded position and a collapsed position; a fabric covering at least a portion of the loop member, with the loop member substantially supporting the fabric so that the fabric assumes the particular configuration of the loop member when in the expanded position of the loop member; and a left side and a right side defined by the loop member and the fabric; (b) wherein the loop members of the left panels overlap each other at a first overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the left panels, and at a second overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the left panels, the overlapping loop members of the left panels defining a first hinge portion about which the loop members of the left panels are pivotable; (c) wherein the loop members of the right panels overlap each other at a third overlapping point along the first edges of the loop members of the right panels, and at a fourth overlapping point along the second edges of the loop members of the right panels, the overlapping loop members of the right panels defining a second hinge portion about which the loop members of the right panels are pivotable; (d) wherein the left side of the first end panel is hingedly connected to the right side of the first left panel, and the right side of the first end panel is hingedly connected to the left side of the first right panel; and (e) wherein the left side of the second end panel is hingedly connected to the right side of the second right panel, and the right side of the first end panel is hingedly connected to the left side of the second left panel, whereby the connected panels form an enclosed space.
 11. The structure of claim 10, wherein the hinge portion is positioned vertically with respect to the ground, and the second edges of the two loop members of the first and second panels rest on the ground when the loop members are in the expanded position.
 12. The structure of claim 10, wherein the first hinge portion further includes a stitch line connecting the fabric of the two loop members and extending from about the first overlapping point to about the second overlapping point.
 13. The structure of claim 10, wherein each panel further includes a loop retaining portion provided along the fabric for retaining the loop members.
 14. The structure of claim 13, wherein the loop retaining portion of the sides of the end panels is stitched to the loop retaining portion of an adjacent side of the left and right panels to form the hinged connections. 